Causes of Night Vision Problems

 

It’s no surprise that most people don’t see well in the dark. However, some people have considerable difficulty seeing at night or in poor light. This is called “night blindness” or nyctalopia. Night blindness doesn’t mean you are completely unable to see at night, but that your vision is poorer then. It is not a disease in itself, but instead is a symptom of some other type of vision problem. Certain cells in the eye’s retina are responsible for allowing you to see in dim light. If these cells are affected by a disease or condition, night blindness occurs.

Some of the eye conditions that can cause night blindness include:

• Nearsightedness 
• Glaucoma 
• Certain  Glaucoma Medicine
• Cataracts 
• Diabetes
• Retinitis Pigmentosa-an eye disease that causes blindness
• Vitamin A Deficiency
• Keratoconus-cornea disease where it is very steeply curved

If you or someone you know has difficulty seeing at night-especially if it seems to be getting worse-pleas schedule an eye exam with eye doctors at Center for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island. 

Preventing Vision Loss From Diabetes

Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in adults. This is a growing problem as the number of people living with diabetes increases, so does the number of people with impaired vision. Diabetes can cause a disease of the eye called diabetic retinopathy (DR). In its early stages, you may not notice any symptoms or changes to your eyesight, and you cannot tell that this condition is damaging your eyes. If it is not detected and treated in a timely manner, your vision can be damaged permanently. A recent study, conducted at Centers for Disease Control found that the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy was high, affecting almost one-third of adults over age 40 years with diabetes, and more than one-third of African-Americans and Mexican Americans.

If you or someone you know has diabetes there are important steps you can take to prevent vision loss including a) maintain good control of your blood sugar and blood pressure with diet, exercise and medications prescribed by your physician, b) having regular eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor. Depending on how long you have had diabetes and the health of your retina, your eye doctor may recommend specialized testing including scans and pictures in order to monitor changes that occur from diabetic retinopathy. Be sure to follow up on appointments and testing.

The key to preventing vision loss from diabetes and diabetic retinopathy is early detection, diagnosis and treatment if necessary. To learn more about diabetic eye disease and diabetic retinopathy, or schedule a diabetic eye exam at Center for Sight 508-730-2020, visit Center for Sight or www.facebook.com/centerforsightfallriver.

Center for Sight is conveniently located at 1565 North Main Street, Suite 406, Fall River, Massachusetts 02720 for patients from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.